At St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, the ER will permanently close at midnight June 1, according to the health system. After that time, patients needing emergency care will be sent to Summa's Akron City Hospital.

"These are really important changes and not easy ones but reflect what we think is the evolution of our industry," Summa President and Chief Executive Thomas J. Strauss said.

Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital will end all inpatient services within the next three to five months. The 50-bed community hospital has been averaging fewer than 20 inpatients per day.